DPR Sacramento’s involvement in entertainment industry projects has not been limited to the Kings/Monarchs practice facility. The constructors have also tackled California’s newest outdoor venue, the Sacramento Valley Amphitheatre, which opened its doors this past summer in June.

Though construction lasted nine months, the project saw DPR working a considerable number of 10-hour days and six-day weeks to deal with the size of the project and to ensure it would be completed for the first scheduled performance. The site spans 90 acres, including a 100,000-sq.-ft. lawn seating area and a nine-building plaza consisting of concessions, restaurants, administration, utility and first-aid structures. The amphitheater contains a 60-ft. tall stage that spans 4,300 sq. ft., as well as a second, smaller stage.

Situated 40 miles from Sacramento in Marysville, CA (Yuba County), the amphitheater seats 20,000, which includes 448 box seats and close to 12,000 lawn spaces. Parking is available for 6,700 cars.

“Not a bad seat in the house, thanks to great site-line planning and the steeply banked 48-ft.-high seating berm,” says Steve Buchholz, lead project architect at Heller Manus.